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Ministry of Labour | Occupational Health and Safety Branch
Introduction
Introduced in the spring of 2008, Safe At Work Ontario is the Ministry of Labour’s occupational health
and safety compliance strategy. Safe At Work Ontario seeks to improve the health and safety culture of
Ontario’s workplaces, leading to a reduction of injuries and avoidance of associated costs for
employers, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) and the health care system. Through
proactive enforcement, Safe At Work Ontario strives to provide a level playing field for compliant
employers.
Safe At Work Ontario encourages stakeholder involvement in the planning process, introduces broader
selection criteria to identify workplaces for proactive inspections and involves integrated planning with
system partners. The focus of Safe At Work Ontario is to facilitate proactive enforcement of the
Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA) on the top hazards in each sector and promote compliance
and the development of a strong health and safety culture in the workplace.
Safe At Work Ontario has turned MOL’s enforcement direction around, moving it from a traditional
reactive, enforcement based program to a modern, proactive, flexible, compliance-based program. It is
innovative, transparent and inclusive of stakeholder concerns, while continuing to protect the public
interest.
Safe At Work Ontario expands the factors that the MOL uses to identify a firm for a proactive inspection
beyond the firm’s injury history. Additional factors include regional information, compliance history,
and/or hazards inherent in the work or work processes. It includes hazard-based inspections, and
actively engages health and safety system partners (such as the WSIB and Health and Safety
Associations) in building a safety culture in workplaces across the province. Under Safe At Work
Ontario, the ministry aims to be into workplaces before injuries occur.
The level of engagement with the workplace depends on factors such as the employer’s commitment to
a strong health and safety culture, and a well-defined, suitable and sustainable Internal Responsibility
System (IRS). Other factors affecting the level of engagement include the number of lost-time injuries
(LTIs) and no-lost-time injuries (NLTIs), nature and extent of any past non-compliance identified, and
corrective actions required of the employer to achieve compliance.
The Safe At Work Ontario strategy is administered by five specialized sector programs: construction,
industrial, mining, health care and specialized and professional services. Sector plans are developed
on an annual basis for each program area. These documents outline the enforcement focus for each
year and identify planned blitzes. They are posted on the ministry’s website to encourage voluntary
compliance. The sector plans also provide basic information about each sector and a brief overview of
health and safety hazards and non-compliance concerns.
The following is the Construction Health and Safety Program sector plan for the 2009-2010 year. Other
sector plans can be found at www.labour.gov.on.ca.
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Ministry of Labour | Occupational Health and Safety Branch
Ontario’s construction and diving industries
The Ministry of Labour’s Construction Health and Safety Program (CHSP) monitors health and safety in
two distinct industries:
• Ontario’s construction industry; and
• Ontario’s diving industry.
Each industry is unique and presents a number of challenges and opportunities for the ministry with its
ongoing efforts to keep all workers employed in these industries safe.
Ontario’s construction industry
In the Ontario construction industry, there were approximately 35,000 employers/contractors employing
up to 411,000 1 workers and tradespersons.
Construction is a dynamic industry characterized by workplaces and workforces that change constantly.
Through the course of a typical project, 10 or more different employers may be involved, with as many
as 10 different trades and trade unions on site as well. These multiple-employer and multiple-union
workplaces are quite different from those in other industries. Moreover, “construction” may describe all
of the work being done, but the individual activities are quite diverse.
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), “construction” includes the erection, alteration,
repair, dismantling, demolition, structural maintenance, painting, land clearing, earth moving, grading,
excavating, trenching, digging, boring, drilling, blasting, or concreting, the installation of any machinery
or plant, and any work or undertaking in connection with a project but does not include any work or
undertaking underground in a mine.
Most of the approximately 35,000 construction contractors in Ontario are small to mid-size employers.
Almost 90 per cent of construction employers have less than eight employees. About one per cent
employ more than 50 workers; however, these personnel are deployed across several projects. In
addition, the mobile workforce makes consistent, uniform instruction difficult.
Although Ontario’s construction industry is one of the safest in the world and has the lowest incident
frequency in all of Canada there is a high potential for incidents that may lead to an injury, given the
nature and conditions of the work. The Ministry of Labour (MOL) continues to work actively with its
health and safety partners and external stakeholders to control and, where possible, eliminate the top
hazards in each sector and promote compliance and the development of a strong health and safety
culture in the workplace.
Another unique feature of the construction sector in Ontario is the special relationship between labour
and management, since many construction managers and owners are often former trades-people.
Ontario’s construction industry includes both unionized and non-unionized employers and, on some
sites, they work side-by-side with employees.
Over the years, the unique needs of construction have been recognized and entrenched in Ontario
legislation. A significant portion of the Labour Relations Act is written specifically for construction in
1 Source(s): Ontario's Labour Market Employment by Industry; unadjusted January 2009, Construction Safety Association of Ontario (CSAO) Annual Report and Statistics
Canada, Labour Force Survey.
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Ministry of Labour | Occupational Health and Safety Branch
distinction to other industries. The Employment Standards Act also contains provisions to cover
construction’s unique aspects. Similarly, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act and, notably, the
Occupational Health and Safety Act include distinct requirements for construction.
Construction looking forward 2009-2017
The Construction Sector Council report “Looking Forward 2009-2017 Key Highlights” has identified that
while the recession has weakened housing and industrial construction in Ontario, the balance of the
construction industry is expected to see important employment gains in 2009 and 2010. Government-
related construction, especially with strong stimulus programs announced in new budgets, is providing
most of the jobs.
Significant federal government stimulus to renovations during 2009 is briefly offsetting lower housing
starts from 2009 to 2011. Non-residential projects, especially in civil engineering, are helping to
mitigate housing-related losses in 2009 and provide gains in 2010.
From 2012 to 2017, growth in construction employment will average 2.7 per cent annually 2. These
additions to the workforce will come as the overall growth in the Ontario labour force slows to one per
cent or less. Construction employers will be competing for a steadily growing share of the Provincial
workforce 3.
Ontario’s diving industry
Overview of Ontario’s diving industry
There are approximately 97 diving contractors and 400 workers employed in Ontario's diving industry.
The ministry receives between 1,000 and 1,200 notices of diving operations every year.
Ontario diving contractors carry out business across all regions of the province and compete with inter-
provincial contractors.
For the purpose of administering the Act and Regulations in the Construction Industry, the Construction
Health and Safety Program (CHSP) within the MOL refers to the following sectors:
Construction Health and Safety Program sectors
Asbestos removal
• Includes work carried out prior to the start of demolition or renovation of buildings, structures and
ships.
• Most prominent hazards include exposures to: occupational disease; electrical hazards; excavations;
falls and confined space and restricted space entry.
• MOL conducted 744 field visits from 2006 to 2008 and issued 570 orders regarding asbestos removal.
Industrial commercial institutional (ICI)
• Made up of projects: both high rise and low rise industrial, commercial and institutional buildings, and
mining plants above ground.
2 Source: Construction Sector Council: Construction Looking Forward 2009-2017 Key Highlights
3 Source: Construction Sector Council: Construction Looking Forward 2009-2017 Key Highlights
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Ministry of Labour | Occupational Health and Safety Branch
• Occupational diseases (exposures to hazardous chemicals and substances) noise, ergonomics, falls,
electrical hazards, ladder use, use of tower cranes, and formwork hazards are hazards of particular
importance.
• MOL conducted 36,200 field visits from 2006 to 2008 and issued 78,423 orders in this sector.
Residential
• Made up of both high rise and low rise residential projects, including “in-fill” housing, single homes,
multiple housing (e.g. townhouses) and renovations and additions. The sector is characterized by
multiple contractors and independent operators.
• Most prominent hazards include falls, moving of equipment and materials, electrical hazards,
occupational disease and excavations.
• MOL conducted 40,961 field visits from 2006 to 2008 and issued 112,166 orders in this sector.
Roads
• Includes projects on roads and highways, both new and rehabilitation of existing, bridge work, and
paving operations.
• The most prominent hazards in this sector include falls, moving of equipment and materials, electrical
hazards, occupational disease, excavation and traffic protection.
• MOL conducted 15,886 field visits from 2006 to 2008 and issued 41,539 orders in this sector.
Underground
• Mostly sewer and water main construction, trenching, caisson construction, water drilling and
tunnelling.
• The most prominent hazards in this sector include falls, moving of equipment and materials, electrical
hazards, confined space, excavation, traffic protection and occupational disease.
• MOL conducted 17,422 field visits from 2006 to 2008 and issued 24,782 orders in this sector.
Utilities
• Includes the construction of both underground utilities (gas, power, telephone, cable, gateways etc.)
and above ground power and distribution lines, transmission and electrical towers.
• The most prominent hazards in this sector include falls, moving of equipment and materials, electrical
hazards, occupational disease, excavation, traffic protection and confined space.
• MOL conducted 1,898 field visits from 2006 to 2008 and issued 1,930 orders in this sector.
Window cleaning
• Consists of window cleaning services for buildings and the cleaning of windows where a worker may
fall a vertical distance of three metres of more (e.g. retail store-fronts).
• The most prominent hazards in this sector include falls, maintenance of equipment and electrical
hazards.
• MOL conducted 357 field visits from 2006 to 2008 and issued 577 orders in this sector.
Other construction
• Includes the construction of subways, marine construction, moving buildings and structures, and
projects not captured in other sectors.
• The most prominent hazards in this sector include falls, moving of equipment and materials, electrical
hazards, drowning, excavation, traffic protection and confined space.
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Ministry of Labour | Occupational Health and Safety Branch
• MOL conducted 1,210 field visits from 2006 to 2008 and issued 2,132 orders in this sector.
Diving
• Work performed underwater by divers or work performed on the surface in support of divers, and
includes underwater inspection, investigation, excavation, construction, alteration, repair or
maintenance of equipment, machinery, structures or ships and the salvage of sunken property.
• The most prominent hazards in this sector include poorly trained divers, underground economy,
working in close proximity to differential pressure, decompression profiles, confined spaces,
inadequate air quality and quantity, contaminated environments, ice, unsafe vessels and unexploded
ordinance diving operations.
• In 2008 there were 949 registered operations. Between 2007 and 2008, MOL conducted 562 field
visits, and issued 114 orders in this sector.
Health and safety characteristics of the construction industry
The number of fatalities in workplaces in this sector declined from 27 people in 2006 to 20 in 2008.
Between 2006 and 2008, residential construction was responsible for the largest number of fatalities
with 20 of the 62 in residential construction.
Critical injuries in the construction industry reported to the ministry declined from 208 events in 2006 to
153 in 2008. In line with the fatal injury statistics, residential construction had the most reported critical
injuries with 250 over the three-year period or 43 per cent of the total of critical injuries reported over
the same time frame.
Ontario has the best construction safety record in Canada. Over the last 35 years, the industry has
shown a 75 per cent reduction in lost-time injuries, medical aid injuries, and all injuries. In 1998, for
instance, the lost-time injury (LTIs) incidence in Ontario construction was 1.9 per 100 workers. Total
LTIs were 5,309 with an average claim cost of $34,000 each. Investment in prevention has paid off in
construction, with benefits not only to the industry but to the provincial economy.
While these results are impressive, additional improvement is still possible and desirable. Continued
investment in health and safety will be needed to maintain the advances already achieved.
Health and safety hazards inherent in construction work
Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD):
MSD continues to be the top cause of injury in the construction industry where residential work has the
greatest number of MSD claims.
Falls:
Falls continue to be the major cause of traumatic fatalities and critical injuries. In 2008, 11 of the 20
fatalities in this sector were due to falls. In many of these cases, the victim was wearing a fall-arrest
harness but it was not secured. Falls accounted for 28 of the 62 traumatic fatalities between 2006 and
2008. In addition, the number of critical injuries caused by falls in 2008 was 99 of the 153 injuries: 28
were falls from ladders, 14 falls from scaffolds and work platforms, and 57 from roofs and floors. “Zero
tolerance” enforcement is expected when dealing with non-compliance and lack of adequate fall
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Ministry of Labour | Occupational Health and Safety Branch
protection at construction projects. An enhanced enforcement initiative for ladder use will be the focus
for most of the year.
Electrical contact:
This continues to be one of the top ranking causes of fatalities among construction workers. In 2008,
electrocutions accounted for one of 20 construction fatalities. Electrocutions accounted for eight of the
62 fatalities that occurred between 2006 and 2008. There were five critical injuries in 2008 as a result
of workers contacting live equipment.
Excavations and trenches:
Excavation collapses are a major hazard in the construction industry. Through regulation amendment
and advanced technology, there has been a decline in the number of fatalities in this sector; however,
there were still two fatalities caused by the collapse of excavations and trenches.
Occupational illness and disease:
In the construction sector, occupational illness and disease from workplace exposures continue to be a
significant hazard. According to WSIB statistics, there are more deaths on average from occupational
disease than injury. In 2007, the number of deaths from occupational disease (40) exceeded the
number of deaths from injuries (30). Based on the available data for fatalities, mesothelioma and lung
cancer are the top occupational diseases, accounting for 82 per cent of all occupational disease
fatalities for 1998-2007.
Struck by construction vehicles/equipment and non-equipment vehicles:
Moving vehicles and equipment on construction projects accounted for six of the 62 traumatic fatalities
in the construction sector between 2006 and 2008. Two of those workers were fatally injured in 2008
as a result of being struck by or crushed by heavy equipment.
Construction Compliance Focus for 2009-2010
Partnerships: a key success factor
The Ministry of Labour is one of several partners in the health and safety system in Ontario focused on
preventing and reducing injuries and illnesses. The CHSP of the Ministry of Labour works
collaboratively with a number of partners both within and outside the ministry to improve workplace
health and safety at Ontario construction sites.
Our goals are achieved by working co-operatively with our system’s partners:
Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB)
Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities (TCU)
The Health and Safety Associations, including:
Construction Safety Association of Ontario (CSAO)
Electrical & Utilities Safety Association (E&USA)
Council of Ontario Construction Associations (COCA)
Electrical Safety Authority (ESA)
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Ontario Formwork Association
Ontario Home Builders Association (OHBA)
Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA)
Working with these system partners, the CHSP will continue to increase the provision of information to
employers and workers while ensuring that the workplace parties comply with the law. Along with our
system partners, the CHSP will focus the efforts of construction inspectors in ways that minimize
overlap of system resources and put the right system partner in the right workplace. All Health and
Safety Associations (HSAs) and the CHSP’s industry partners have been active in supporting the
construction blitzes by providing information related to the blitz topics as well as offering support to
workplaces that need additional assistance to be in compliance.
In 2009-2010, working with our system partners, the construction program will be engaged in a number
of key partnership projects/initiatives that involve the three sector inter-agency groups (SIGs).
The goal for the Construction Inter-Agency Group (CONSIG) has been to reduce injuries by improving
education about how work can be carried out safely and increasing awareness of workplace hazards
and how they can be avoided. MOL is working with CSAO and WSIB on a number of initiatives for
2009-2010, including: inviting construction firms that sustain a lost -time injury this year to a
presentation by MOL, WSIB and CSAO on accident prevention, company duties and responsibilities
regarding worker injuries (“Emerging Firms”).
The Electrical Inter-Agency Group (EUSIG) identifies and monitors injury, illness and performance
trends and other emerging issues within the sector. Planned activities for 2009-2010 will concentrate
on “Firms of Opportunity.” E&USA consultants will engage 246 firms for this year. Senior level E&USA
staff will visit all highest ranked firms and work with them to obtain an engagement goal to get all firms
to the commitment level of “Zero Quest.”
The Municipal Inter-Agency Group (MUNSIG) is a forum for coordinating prevention plans and activities
to advance health and safety in the municipal sector. MUNSIG planned activities for 2009/10 will
concentrate on “Firms of Opportunity” in the municipal sector. MHSA consultants will engage 79 firms
in accordance with WSIB criteria. This constitutes 10 to 11 per cent of this sector.
Compliance: intervention based on need
Some projects in the construction industry require targeted and focused enforcement intervention up to
and including prosecution to deter non-compliance. Due to the nature of construction activities and
associated high-risk work, the MOL will continue to pay particular attention to employers who
repeatedly violate the Act and have poor health and safety records.
Other construction industry firms require tools, information, and education on how to comply. The
HSAs are the system partners tasked with the role of providing educational services to workplace
parties. The HSAs also use information from the system partners, such as trends seen by inspectors,
to develop material to keep workplaces current.
There are firms that have best practices to share with others. Our system partners are especially
interested in spreading these best practices to other firms. In the construction industry, the labour-
management networks established by the CSAO and the sector-interagency groups are the primary
method of outreach.
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Ministry of Labour | Occupational Health and Safety Branch
The Internal Responsibility System – fostering a culture of safety
The Ministry of Labour has a primary responsibility to ensure that workplaces comply with Ontario's
Occupational Health and Safety Act and related legislation. This means ensuring that a strong Internal
Responsibility System (IRS) is in place. A strong IRS implies, in part, a well–functioning Joint Health
and Safety Committee (JHSC), where required, that fosters a strong, sustainable culture of workplace
health and safety.
A strong health and safety workplace culture consists of:
• Competence (appropriate knowledge and training, systems for responding to events, properly
functioning JHSC and other IRS components);
• Commitment (demonstration by the employer of leadership on safety, appropriate policies and
procedures to protect workers, low tolerance for poor health and safety practices, insistence upon full
compliance); and
• Capacity (adequate resources for preventing injuries, a good system for obtaining assistance from
HSAs and the WSIB).
A strong IRS produces a strong culture of health and safety. Strong leadership by senior executives
and other managers sets the tone and establishes a corporate culture that nurtures the IRS. A health
and safety culture requires all workers to pay constant, appropriate attention to workplace health and
safety.
A sustainable workplace health and safety culture needs a strong commitment by everyone to prevent
injuries and illness and to reduce risk.
The functioning of the IRS in the construction sector will continue to be the key focus of inspections this
year.
Enforcement: Focused enforcement to maximize impact
MOL health and safety inspectors will inspect the following in addition to their general inspection duties:
1. Injury rates and chronic violators
Working with data supplied by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), CHSP inspectors
will focus their proactive inspections on workplaces that have higher than average LTI, are chronic
violators or serious repeat violators. For the 2009/2010 fiscal year, the construction program (including
the Diving Health and Safety Program) has planned some 30,500 inspections throughout the province.
Inspections will include provincial and regionally planned inspections, specific hazard focus and
provincial and regional blitzes.
Inspectors will focus their attention during field visits to the functioning of the IRS on the projects and
the sector specific hazards known to the ministry. Inspectors will pay particular attention to the
following hazards: falls, electrocution, trenching/excavations, occupational illness and disease, and
“struck by” construction vehicles/equipment and non-construction vehicles. The MOL will rigorously
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Ministry of Labour | Occupational Health and Safety Branch
enforce where priority hazards are found, including prosecuting those found to be in non-compliance
with the law.
In addition, MOL inspectors have been directed to pay attention to construction activity with trade
specific hazards for the top seven trades that have the highest injury rate. These are: formwork and
demolition, siding and outside finishing, masonry, residential, roofing, heavy civil, and millwrighting and
welding. These operations all have a LTI rate above the industry’s average of 1.9 (2006).
2. Construction health and safety blitzes
Provincial blitzes are intended to raise the level of compliance at construction projects, and diving and
window cleaning operations and focus on specific hazards either inherent in the work process or
contributing to significant injuries or illness. In addition, the ministry seeks to raise the workplace
parties’ awareness of the issues addressed by the blitz by the communication efforts surrounding the
blitz and by the efforts of the HSAs.
In 2009-2010, the Construction Program will conduct four blitzes based on hazardous industry work
practices known to the ministry and based on MOL injury data (i.e. fatalities and critical injuries) and
WSIB LTI data.
MSD – April 2009
Construction inspectors were part of a multi-industry blitz focusing on musculoskeletal disorders.
Inspectors focused on selected issues in the homebuilding industry that lead to MSD injuries.
Formwork (“Building a Foundation for Safety”) – August 2009
MOL inspectors inspected formwork installations ensuring that they are built in compliance with the
design, and comply with the inspection requirements in the Construction Regulation. During
inspections, inspectors reviewed site drawings and ensured pre-pour inspections were completed. The
Ontario Formwork Association worked co-operatively with the MOL to ensure that its members know
how to comply with the law and were aware of this blitz.
Safe ladder use initiative – year-long focus
Inspectors are focusing on compliance with Sections 78-84 of the Construction Regulation, the safe use
of ladders for access and egress, and short duration work.
Electrical hazards (“Shocked into Safety”) – October 2009
Inspectors are examining the measures and procedures put in place by constructors and various
employers so that electrical hazards such as working on or near energized exposed parts of electrical
equipment, or an electrical installation or conductor (namely in proximity to overhead power lines) are
minimized and prevented.
MOL inspectors are ensuring that:
• Locates and markings for underground utilities are done;
• Written measures and procedures established by the Constructor with respect to electrical hazards
exist and are implemented;
• Lock out procedures by employers carrying out electrical work are present at the project; and
• Workers are authorized to carry out electrical work by the Trades Qualification and Apprenticeship Act
(TQAA).
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Ministry of Labour | Occupational Health and Safety Branch
Inspectors will also be checking electrical devices and equipment and that personal protective
equipment (PPE) such as rubber gloves are used as needed when working live. The ESA continues to
work collaboratively with MOL when investigating fatalities and injuries due to electrical work. The
CSAO, the Ontario Provincial Labour-Management Health and Safety Committee, the ESA, the
Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and
other partners and affiliates continue their outreach and education programs on electrical safety.
3. Small contractors – enhanced enforcement focus
The majority of construction firms registered with the WSIB are considered small businesses (fewer
than 20 employers). MOL inspectors should refer employers to CSAO for training information and to
WSIB for information on claims management and the firm’s obligations under the Workplace Safety and
Insurance Act (WSIA).
Due to the transient nature of construction, small contractors are not easy to locate; they may be sub-
trades on a larger project, or be involved in non-notifiable projects. These projects may consist of re-
roofing, siding replacement and other renovation projects.
MOL inspectors will ensure that the small contractors they visit have the following:
• A health and safety policy with a program to implement that policy;
• Appropriate legislated training, such as WHMIS, traffic control, fall arrest and other personal
protective equipment, in addition to specific equipment training, and emergency procedures;
• A safety representative as prescribed;
• An understanding of roles and responsibilities as outlined in the OHSA and O. Reg. 213/91; and
• An understanding of notification requirements.
Inspectors may distribute CSAO brochures such as “Small Contractor Guide to Health and Safety” and
“What Contractors Need to Know”. Inspectors will further advise contractors of resources available
through WSIB, CSAO and Health & Safety Associations, and Trade Associations.
4. Supervisors
At Ontario projects where there are five or more workers working at the same time, constructors are
required to appoint a supervisor. The supervisor must supervise the work at all times either personally
or by having an assistant, who is a competent person, do so personally.
Site supervisors are part of the construction industry’s internal responsibility system for health and
safety. The site superintendent is also the primary, first-line contact when Ministry of Labour inspectors
arrive at a construction project.
The construction program will monitor compliance with section 14 of the Construction Regulation
(O. Reg. 213/91) to ensure that constructors appoint a supervisor at projects of five or more workers in
all cases and at all times. Inspectors will also ensure that the supervisors are competent and trained to
recognize and control hazards at a construction project and to organize the work in a safe manner so
that all construction workers, contractors, tradespersons, other occupations and visitors remain safe
while at the construction site.
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Ministry of Labour | Occupational Health and Safety Branch
5. The underground economy
In recent years, governments and the WSIB have taken important steps to address the “underground
economy,” businesses that operate without properly reporting to government and that do not comply
with the law. These steps have included increased resources for audits, more site inspections, and
involvement of the Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) Contract Payment Reporting System (CPRS).
Although these steps have slowed the advance of the underground economy, there is still much to do to
ensure fair business competition and protection for workers and others on these worksites.
The Ministry of Labour continues to work collaboratively with other partners in the Ontario government,
agencies, municipal and federal governments to target underground activities in the construction sector.
For example, the MOL works with the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities to enforce trade
qualification requirements ensuring construction trades people are properly trained. This helps protect
the public and reduce workplace injuries.
6. Enforcement of the “Training Requirements for Certain Skill Sets and Trades”
Ontario Regulation 572/99 outlines the skill sets and trades which require authorization under the
Trades, Qualifications and Apprenticeship Act (TQAA) or Apprenticeship Certification Act (ACA).
Ministry of Labour health and safety inspectors enforce the authorization made under TQAA and ACA
as they are reflected in O. Reg. 572/99, which is made under the OHSA. Certification requirements are
stipulated for the following trades: electricians, hoisting engineers, plumbers, refrigeration and air
conditioning mechanics, sheet metal workers and steamfitters.
Employers and workers in these trades need to be authorized to carry out work in accordance to the
TQAA and its regulations. When on a construction site, inspectors will verify Certificate of Qualification
(C of Q) and licensing information and get confirmation from MTCU to effectively enforce
O. Reg. 572/99. The following trades are included:
• Electrician, branch 1: construction and maintenance electrician
• Electrician, branch 2: domestic and rural electrician
• Hoisting engineer, branch 1: mobile crane operator
• Hoisting engineer, branch 2: mobile crane operator
• Hoisting engineer, branch 3: tower crane operator
• Plumber
• Refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanic, branch 1: refrigeration and air-conditioning systems
mechanic
• Refrigeration and air-conditioning mechanic, branch 1: residential air-conditioning systems mechanic
• Sheet metal worker
• Steamfitter.
From October 2008 to August 2009, approximately 20,000 field visits addressing TQAA requirements
were conducted. Currently the ministry is averaging 425 TQAA field visits per week.
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Specific hazards
In the following sections additional detail is provided on the specific hazards, cause of injuries/illnesses
and enforcement focus of the Construction Health and Safety Program for each of the construction
sectors.
Asbestos removal
Includes work carried out prior to the start of demolition or renovation of buildings, structures and ships.
Health and safety characteristics
The asbestos removal sector is high risk where asbestos removal workers and others may be exposed
to health hazards (biological, physical (including ergonomic hazards) and chemical).
One critical injury related to asbestos removal was reported to the Ministry of Labour over a three-year
period (2006-2008). There were two traumatic fatalities related to asbestos removal reported to the
Ministry of Labour over a three-year period (2006-2008).
According to WSIB data, the most costly injuries in this sector were related to occupational illnesses
and diseases. Based on the available data for fatalities from occupational disease in the construction
sector, mesothelioma and lung cancer are the top occupational diseases, accounting for 82 per cent of
all occupational disease fatalities for 1998-2007. Mesothelioma usually results from exposure to
asbestos. Lung cancer may be attributed to exposure to asbestos and other carcinogens, such as lead
and silica.
Major hazards and inspection focus
Major hazards and key MOL Construction Health and Safety
health and safety issues Program inspection focus
WHMIS. Exposure to hazardous chemicals Routine inspections proactive and reactive, including
and substances regional initiatives.
Occupational diseases and noise It is recommended that during inspections involving
asbestos, other designated substances or toxic
substances inspectors are to focus on:
Ensuring compliance with O. Reg. 278/05 (Asbestos
on Construction Projects and in Buildings and
Repair Operations).
If controlled products are used at the project, ensure
WHMIS requirements and training requirements are
met. Reviewing datasheets to ensure that they are
up to date.
Ensuring that adequate personal protective
equipment is used e.g. glasses, face shields,
respirators.
Ensuring that adequate measures and procedures
are in place to control exposure to substances such
as lead, silica, mould and man-made vitreous fibres.
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Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) sector
The ICI sector is made up of projects both high rise and low rise industrial, commercial and institutional
buildings, and mining plant construction (above ground).
Health and safety characteristics
The ICI sector is a highly unionized sector with multiple contractors, trades and other occupations at
times working simultaneously. The number of critical injuries reported to the Ministry of Labour over a
three-year period (2006-2008) was 202. The number of fatalities reported to the Ministry of Labour
over a three-year period (2006-2008) was 17. The WSIB injury profile for this sector is drawn from nine
different rate groups. The average sector lost-time injury rate (LTI per 100 workers) is 2.60 (2008).
According to the WSIB data, the most costly injuries in this sector were related to: falls, moving of
equipment and materials (ergonomic hazards), electrical hazards and occupational disease.
Major hazards and inspection focus
Major hazards and key MOL Construction Health and Safety
health and safety issues Program inspection focus
WHMIS. Exposure to hazardous chemicals Routine inspections proactive and reactive, including
and substances regional initiatives.
Falls between levels and slips and falls Routine inspections proactive and reactive, including
regional initiatives. Rigorous enforcement of
requirements and referrals to CSAO educational
programs and industry outreach.
Ergonomic issues and initiatives Multi-sector MSD blitz.
Electrical Hazards Electrical blitz. Also routine inspections proactive
and reactive, including ESA partnering during
investigations.
Occupational diseases (exposures to Routine inspections both proactive and reactive.
hazardous chemicals and substances) noise
Unsafe ladder use. Ladder blitz – August, 2009 to March 31, 2010. This
year-long blitz will focus on appropriate and safe
use, ergonomic issues, access/egress, and
equipment condition.
Tower cranes Throughout 2009-2010, CHSP inspectors will be
inspecting crane use at Ontario construction
projects, especially safe set-up, erection and
dismantling procedures, P. Eng. design and
requirements for on-site inspections. Compliance
and enforcement of O. Reg. 213/91, s. 157-165.
Formwork hazards Formwork blitz – summer 2009. This blitz focused
on excavations, ergonomic issues, and materials
handling and storage.
For advice to employers for addressing health and safety issues in this sector contact the Construction
Safety Association of Ontario (CSAO) at: www.csao.org
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17.
Ministry of Labour | Occupational Health and Safety Branch
Residential
The residential sector is made up of both high-rise and low-rise residential projects, including “in-fill”
housing, single homes, multiple housing (e.g. townhouses) and renovations and additions.
Health and safety characteristics
The residential sector has multiple unionized and non-unionized contractors, trades, independent
operators and other occupations working at these types of projects. The workforce is highly transient
with a large number of employers having less than five workers. The number of critical injuries reported
to the Ministry of Labour over a three-year period (2006-2008) was 250. The number of fatalities
reported to the Ministry of Labour over a three-year period (2006-2008) was 20. The average sector
lost-time injury rate (LTI per 100 workers) is 2.88 (2008).
According to WSIB data, the most costly injuries in this sector were related to: falls, moving of
equipment and materials (ergonomic hazards), electrical hazards and occupational disease.
Major hazards and inspection focus
Major hazards and key MOL Construction Health and Safety
health and safety issues Program inspection focus
WHMIS. Exposure to hazardous chemicals Routine inspections proactive and reactive, including
and substances regional initiatives.
Falls between levels & slips and falls. Routine inspections proactive and reactive, including
regional initiatives. Rigorous enforcement of
requirements and referrals to CSAO educational
programs and industry outreach.
Moving equipment and material handling. Cross-program MSD blitz. Also, routine, proactive
Ergonomic issues and initiatives and reactive inspections.
Electrical hazards Electrical blitz. Also routine, proactive and reactive
inspections.
Occupational diseases (exposures to Routine inspections both proactive and reactive.
hazardous chemicals and substances), noise
Unsafe Ladder Use Ladder blitz – August, 2009 to March 31, 2010. This
year-long blitz will focus on appropriate and safe
use, ergonomic issues, access/egress, and
equipment condition.
Excavations Throughout 2009-2010, CHSP inspectors will be
inspecting crane use at Ontario construction
projects, especially safe set-up, erection and
dismantling procedures, P. Eng. design and
requirements for on-site inspections. Compliance
and enforcement of O. Reg. 213/91, S. 157-165.
Formwork hazards; design and inspection Formwork blitz – summer 2009. This blitz focused
on excavations, ergonomic issues, and materials
handling and storage.
For advice to employers for addressing health and safety issues in this sector contact the Construction
Safety Association of Ontario (CSAO) at: www.csao.org.
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18.
Ministry of Labour | Occupational Health and Safety Branch
Roads
The roads sector includes new and rehabilitation projects on roads, highways, bridge work and paving
operations.
Health and safety characteristics
The number of critical injuries reported to the Ministry of Labour over a three-year period (2006-2008)
was 35. The number of fatalities reported to the Ministry of Labour over a three-year period (2006-
2008) was seven.
In 2008, the lost-time injury rate (LTI per 100 workers) was 1.55 (road building) and 1.65 (heavy civil)
respectively.
According to WSIB data, the most costly injuries in this sector were related to: falls, moving of
equipment and materials (ergonomic hazards), electrical hazards, excavations, traffic protection and
occupational disease.
Major hazards and inspection focus:
Major hazards and key MOL Construction Health and Safety
health and safety issues Program inspection focus
Falls into excavation, trenches Routine inspections proactive and reactive, including
regional initiatives. Rigorous enforcement of
requirements and referrals to CSAO educational
programs and industry outreach.
Ergonomic hazards, moving of equipment Multi-sector MSD blitz. Also, routine inspections
and materials, overturning of equipment proactive and reactive. Inspectors will focus on
backhoe use and safe use of other material handling
devices, equipment and vehicles (e.g. ROPS).
Electrical Hazards, power line contacts Electrical blitz. Also routine inspections proactive
and reactive, including ESA partnering during
investigations.
Occupational diseases (exposures to Routine inspections, both proactive and reactive.
hazardous chemicals and substances), noise
For advice to employers for addressing health and safety issues in this sector contact the Construction
Safety Association of Ontario (CSAO) at: www.csao.org.
Construction Health and Safety Program 17

19.
Ministry of Labour | Occupational Health and Safety Branch
Utilities
The utilities sector includes the construction of both underground utilities (gas, power, telephone, cable,
etc.) and above-ground power distribution lines. It also includes firms involved in line clearing,
telecommunications, utilities, municipal power, private power, water.
Health and safety characteristics
The number of critical injuries reported to the Ministry of Labour over a three-year period (2006-2008)
was 12. The number of fatalities reported to the Ministry of Labour over a three-year period (2006-
2008) was three. The lost-time injury rate (LTI per 100 workers) has remained fairly constant at about
1.55.
According to WSIB data, the most costly injuries in this sector were related to: “struck by” incidents
including moving of equipment; overhead (falling material); ergonomic injuries; traffic protection;
electrical hazards (electrocution, arc flash, fire or explosion, etc); excavation hazards (soil collapse on
workers, adjacent structure damage, hazards to traffic and public) falls (slips and trips); fire or explosion
due to contact with gas lines; atmospheric hazards associated with confined spaces and restricted
spaces.
Major hazards and inspection focus:
Major hazards and key MOL Construction Health and Safety
health and safety issues Program inspection focus
Hazards common to roads and underground See inspection focus for roads and underground
sectors. sectors.
For advice to employers for addressing health and safety issues in this sector contact the Electrical &
Utilities Safety Association (E&USA) at: www.eusa.on.ca.
Construction Health and Safety Program 18

20.
Ministry of Labour | Occupational Health and Safety Branch
Underground
The underground sector is made up of mostly sewer and waterman construction, trenching, caisson
construction, water drilling and tunnelling.
Health and safety characteristics
The number of critical injuries reported to the Ministry of Labour over a three-year period (2006-2008)
was 22. The number of fatalities reported to the Ministry of Labour over a three-year period (2006-
2008) was five.
In 2008, the WSIB lost-time injury rate (LTI per 100 workers) was 1.65 (heavy civil). According to WSIB
data, the most costly injuries in this sector were related to: moving of equipment and materials
(ergonomic issues); power-line contacts; excavations; overturning of equipment; falls; and occupational
disease (exposure to hazardous chemical and substances, noise and ergonomics).
Major hazards and inspection focus:
Major hazards and key MOL Construction Health and Safety
health and safety issues Program inspection focus
Confined space entry Inspectors will enforce O. Reg. 213/91 Part II.1
(Confined Spaces) requirements, including but not
limited to ensuring that the constructor prepares a
co-ordination document; that the employer prepares
a written program and adequate hazard assessment
and that an adequate written plan is developed and
is in place at the project. Inspectors will also ensure
that workers are fully trained; entry permits are
present before a worker enters a confined space,
and adequate rescue procedures, personal
protective equipment (PPE) and other forms of
protection are in place. Additional regulatory
requirements also will be routinely audited.
Falls into excavation, trenches Routine inspections proactive and reactive, including
regional initiatives. Rigorous enforcement of
requirements and referrals to CSAO educational
programs and industry outreach.
Ergonomic hazards, moving of equipment Multi-sector MSD blitz. Also, routine inspections
and materials, overturning of equipment proactive and reactive. Inspectors will focus on
backhoe use and safe use of other material handling
devices, equipment and vehicles (e.g. ROPS).
Electrical hazards, power line contacts Electrical Blitz. Also routine inspections proactive
and reactive, including ESA partnering during
investigations.
Occupational diseases (exposures to Routine inspections both proactive and reactive.
hazardous chemicals and substances), noise
For advice to employers for addressing health and safety issues in this sector contact the Construction
Safety Association of Ontario (CSAO) at: www.csao.org.
Construction Health and Safety Program 19

21.
Ministry of Labour | Occupational Health and Safety Branch
Window cleaning
Consists of window cleaning services for buildings and the cleaning of windows where a worker may
fall a vertical distance of three metres or more (e.g. retail store-fronts).
Health and safety characteristics:
The number of critical injuries reported to the Ministry of Labour over a three-year period (2006-2008)
was two. One fatality was reported to the Ministry of Labour over a three-year period (2006-2008).
In 2008, the WSIB lost-time injury rate (LTI per 100 workers) was 5.57. According to WSIB data, the
most costly injuries in this sector were related to: falls, use of suspended access equipment, electrical
hazards and power line contacts; maintenance of equipment; exposures to occupational disease and
ergonomics.
Major hazards and inspection focus:
Major hazards and key MOL Construction Health and Safety
health and safety issues Program inspection focus
Falls Routine inspections proactive and reactive, including
regional initiatives. Rigorous enforcement of
requirements and referrals to CSAO educational
programs and industry outreach.
Use of suspended access equipment and Inspectors will focus on non-compliance with the
maintenance of equipment, including Window Cleaning Regulation, Regulation 859.
personal equipment, anchorage, suspension
lines, entanglement of safety lines.
Electrical hazards and power-line contacts Electrical blitz. Also routine inspections proactive
and reactive, including ESA partnering during
investigations.
Exposures to occupational disease. Multi-sector MSD blitz. Also, routine inspections
Ergonomics and work practices proactive and reactive according to CHSP
prevention strategy.
For advice to employers for addressing health and safety issues in this sector contact the Construction
Safety Association of Ontario (CSAO) at: www.csao.org.
Construction Health and Safety Program 20

22.
Ministry of Labour | Occupational Health and Safety Branch
Other construction
“Other construction” includes the construction of subways, marine construction, moving buildings and
structures, and projects not captured in other sectors. Major hazards include: occupational disease;
moving of equipment and materials; overturning of vehicles; traffic control and protection; electrical
hazards; excavations; falls; confined space entry; and drowning.
Health and safety characteristics
The number of critical injuries reported to the Ministry of Labour over a three-year period (2006-2008)
was 50. The number of fatalities reported to the Ministry of Labour over a 3-year period (2006-2008)
was five.
According to the WSIB data the most costly injuries in this sector were: moving of equipment and
materials; traffic protection; electrical hazards; excavations; falls and drowning.
Major hazards and inspection focus
Major hazards and key MOL Construction Health and Safety
health and safety issues Program inspection focus
Traffic protection Routine inspections proactive and reactive,
especially O. Reg. 213/91 traffic control
requirements and best practice MTO Book 7.
Ergonomic issues and initiatives, including MSD blitz. Routine inspections proactive and
moving of equipment and materials regional initiatives.
Electrical hazards Electrical blitz. Routine inspections proactive and
reactive.
Confined space, excavation construction and Routine inspections proactive and reactive,
drowning especially O. Reg. 213/91, Part II.1 (Confined
Spaces); Part III (Excavation). Diving Program
involvement as appropriate.
For advice to employers for addressing health and safety issues in this sector contact the Construction
Safety Association of Ontario (CSAO) at: www.csao.org.
Construction Health and Safety Program 21

23.
Ministry of Labour | Occupational Health and Safety Branch
Diving
Work performed underwater by divers or work performed on the surface in support of divers, and
includes underwater inspection, investigation, excavation, construction, alteration, repair or
maintenance of equipment, machinery, structures or ships and the salvage of sunken property. Major
hazards include work around water control structures, work in contaminated environments, pipeline
penetrations, unexploded ordinance and general construction projects.
Health and safety characteristics
All diving operations are hazardous to some degree but some are much more hazardous than others.
The risks are minimized by employers and workers who are committed to safe working practices that
are required through legislation.
There were no fatalities reported to the Ministry of Labour from 2007 to 2008. One fatality has been
reported to the MOL for 2009.
The MOL has identified the potential of a diving accident occurring based on the hazards that are
associated with the type of diving operation. Factors such as the scope of work, adequacy of crew (in
numbers and competencies) compliance history, location and environment contribute to the potential
risks to worker safety. The lost-time injury rate (LTI per 100 workers) for workers employed in the diving
industry is the lowest in the construction sector (less than 0.05).
Major hazards and inspection focus
Major hazards and key MOL Diving Health and Safety
health and safety issues inspection focus
Work around water control structures; work Routine inspections proactive and reactive, checking
in contaminated environments, pipeline for evidence of competency of all diving personnel,
penetrations, unexploded ordinance and as required by section 4.1 of the Regulation for
general construction projects. Diving Operations.
Unsafe diving operations from unsafe Prevention strategies involve the assistance of
operation of small commercial vessels and effective communication from our partners in Spills
salvage work Action Centre (SAC) and the Police Services about
the sinking of vehicles, vessels, aircraft and
equipment in Ontario's water ways.
Drowning Routine investigative work with SAC and Police
Services. Public education with HSAs and Diving
Provincial Labour-Management Health and Safety
Committee, affiliates and industry networks.
Contaminated compressed breathing air The MOL will be carrying out the second phase of
the air quality initiative to ensure that all sources of
diver’s compressed breathing air, used by
occupational divers, are in compliance with the
requirements that are set out in the CSA Z180.1-05
Standard. The diving inspectors will be looking for
evidence of: a current air test certificate from an
accredited laboratory, real time carbon monoxide
analysis and maintenance records.
Construction Health and Safety Program 22

24.
Ministry of Labour | Occupational Health and Safety Branch
For advice to employers for addressing health and safety issues in this sector contact the Construction
Safety Association of Ontario (CSAO) at: www.csao.org.
Summary and highlights
The Ministry of Labour’s Construction Health and Safety Program is focusing on activities in the
workplaces that most need our intervention. The proactive selection of workplace visits at Ontario
construction projects focuses on key hazards. As part of the Safe At Work Ontario strategy, workplaces
may be selected for inspections based on factors that extend beyond injury statistics, such as past
ministry interactions or the hazard profile of the industrial sector.
Working with its system partners, the HSAs and the WSIB, the Construction Health and Safety Program
is integrating the activities of inspectors with the staff of our partners through an enhanced integrated
planning process.
The program continues to consult internally with our inspectors, with the other health and safety
programs and through contact with workplaces on ways to improve and help reduce workplace injuries.
Construction Health and Safety Program 23